Infant Found Dead in Trash Bin at Carbon Market
A dead infant was discovered inside a trash bin in the women's restroom at the Carbon Market Interim Building on Calderon Street, Barangay Ermita, Cebu City, on Wednesday afternoon, June 10, 2026.
Police responded to a report at around 4:00 PM. Upon arrival, they found the baby, estimated to be five to six months old.
A woman identified only as "Desiree" first saw the infant when she used the restroom at 4:10 PM and immediately reported it to authorities. The mother has been identified as "Chanchan," 22, a rice vendor at Carbon Public Market.
According to Chanchan's coworkers, she appeared unwell on Tuesday night, June 9, complaining of stomach pain. They did not suspect she was pregnant due to her large build.
On the morning of June 10, Chanchan used the restroom and exited with her underwear soaked in blood. Her coworkers advised her to seek medical help with her live-in partner.
Investigation revealed that before using the restroom, Chanchan's partner allegedly bought her medicine to induce abortion. At the hospital, doctors were surprised to find only the placenta inside her and asked where the baby was. Chanchan replied that she had delivered it while answering nature's call. Police believe she flushed the baby down the toilet, but when it resurfaced, she retrieved it and threw it into the trash bin in another restroom.
Police Captain Bontilao stated that if the investigation proves the abortion and disposal were intentional, the mother and her partner could face criminal charges.
